Guard Tim Lelito Signs RFA Tender, Will Remain With Saints

Guard Tim Lelito will remain with the only NFL team he's played for after signing his one-year restricted free agent tender from the New Orleans Saints.

Lelito had until tomorrow to sign the tender, finally inking a deal that seemed inevitable.

Lelito started 13 games at left guard for New Orleans last season, seeing his most playing time since the Saints signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Grand Valley State in 2013.

He was tendered at the lowest possible designation of 1 year $1.6 million, and no team was willing to surpass it, though the Dallas Cowboys reportedly showed interest.

Guard remains a need for the Saints, who are short at that position.

Lelito is 1 of only 4 true guards on the roster. Senio Kelemete signed a two year deal earlier this offseason, while Cyril Lemon signed with his hometown team last year as an undrafted free agent out of North Texas before suffering an injury in the preseason. Ryan Seymour played 1 games last year with the Saints at guard, but like Lemon, doesn’t have a lot of NFL experience.

New Orleans 2015 first round pick Andrus Peat played briefly at guard last season, but spent more time at tackle, his natural position.